Annie Dornan Smith - behind the scenes blog posts

In the Studio Blog

Learn more about my latest launches, get inspired with my styling ideas, or check out the latest news from the studio!

Festive Trends to Inspire Your Christmas Decor This Year!

It Won't be long before we're putting up decorations!

For me, decorating for Christmas is probably my favourite part of the whole experience. Of course the food, the family, the gifts, and everything else are a huge part of what makes the season special, but as a home decor enthustiast and a Christmas lover, the day you fetch the tree and start hanging decorations will always win the "most Christmassy feeling" in my heart. 
I'm a soldily "December 1st" kind of gal when it comes to putting up your decorations, so to tide me over until then I've been gathering up the most gorgeous decor ideas to inspire my Christmas decor this year. 
Here's a little round up of some of the trends that I've been loving recently, that I just know will inspire you too. 

 

Cosy Kitchen Windows

 
source

I mentioned recently in my Studio News newsletter - that sometimes I decide what features my "dream house" would look like based on how I'd decorate it for Christmas, and this slew of bright and twinkly kitchens with garlands and lights around the window convinced me that any future kitchen of mine needs a big, bright window above the sink, to festoon with foliage!

source

source

 

Paper Decorations that are Actually Cute


source

I'm always on board with finding a sustainable option, and when it comes to Christmas decor I often prefer less plastic-y options anyway, but in the past few years our Scandinavian neighbours have taught us how to take paper decorations to the next level. I'm already 100% sold on chic, neutral paper stars, and this recycled paper tree is on my wishlist, too. 

source

source

 

Candlelit Christmas Trees

 


source

I love anything with a bit of history and, especially when it comes to Christmas, I can't resist a bit of nostalgia. But when it comes to decorating the tree I'm usually an LED kinda gal (no heat, super twinkly, and takes up less room) However, I've been noticing a return recently of the "candlelit tree" - which is kind of the ultimate Christmas nostalgia (it's believed the "trend" begun in the 1500s) - and there's just something about those delicate candles glowing on each branch that looks undeniably festive. I'd probably skip the naked flame and opt for the modern, electrical version for peace of mind, though!

source

source

 

Juniper Garlands

Although less of an obviously festive choice of evergreen for Christmas, the trend for thick, shaggy garlands of Juniper are giving me all the Christmas joy! Their fluffier texture means you get a fuller garland for less, and the draping branches lend themselves perfectly to a magnificent draping garland display. Use alone or weave into more classic festive foliage for a more contemporary look.

source

source

 

Dark And Festive Living Room Decor



source

So I'm not necessarily suggesting you paint your entire living room just for the puposes of decorating, but WOW, deep, dark living room decor really is the perfect backdrop for Christmas decor! The natural hues of Christmas greenery, paired with gold, brass and some luxe, velvety textures really do create the feeling that you might just be spending Christmas in a palace. Bonus points if you have a grand fireplace to hang your stockings by!  

source: neptune.com

 

A Scattering of Stars


source

For some reason, as we approach Christmas every year I fall into a deep obsession with tiny, twinkly sparkly gold stars. I can't get enough of things scattered with tiny gold stars and over the past few years I've been finding more and more gold-starred homeware to fall in love with - from baubles to blankets, duvet covers to dishcloths. I love this delicate little star garland, and am on a mission to add some more twinkly star-smattered decor to my collection this year. 

 

I'm excited to get decorating soon - I know some of you are well on your way already! - so I hope you feel inspired to try out some of these Christmas decor trends!